As one of the largest television broadcasting companies in the United States, Sinclair Broadcast Group has a significant presence in the local television market. With a portfolio of over 190 stations across the country, Sinclair’s reach is vast and diverse. In this article, we will delve into the world of Sinclair Broadcast Group and explore the local TV stations that are owned by this media giant.
A Brief Overview of Sinclair Broadcast Group
Sinclair Broadcast Group is a publicly traded American telecommunications company that was founded in 1986 by Julian Sinclair Smith. The company is headquartered in Hunt Valley, Maryland, and has grown exponentially over the years through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. Today, Sinclair is one of the largest owners of local television stations in the United States, with a presence in over 100 markets across the country.
Early Years and Expansion
Sinclair’s early years were marked by rapid expansion, with the company acquiring several television stations in the late 1980s and early 1990s. One of its first major acquisitions was the purchase of WBFF-TV in Baltimore, Maryland, which became the company’s flagship station. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Sinclair continued to expand its portfolio, acquiring stations in markets such as Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Columbus, Ohio; and Nashville, Tennessee.
Local TV Stations Owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group
Sinclair Broadcast Group owns and operates a diverse range of local TV stations across the United States. Here are some of the stations owned by Sinclair, organized by market:
East Coast
- WBFF-TV (Baltimore, MD): A Fox affiliate that serves the Baltimore metropolitan area.
- WNUV-TV (Baltimore, MD): A CW affiliate that serves the Baltimore metropolitan area.
- WGME-TV (Portland, ME): A CBS affiliate that serves the Portland, Maine metropolitan area.
- WPFO-TV (Portland, ME): A Fox affiliate that serves the Portland, Maine metropolitan area.
Midwest
- WKRC-TV (Cincinnati, OH): A CBS affiliate that serves the Cincinnati metropolitan area.
- WSTR-TV (Cincinnati, OH): A MyNetworkTV affiliate that serves the Cincinnati metropolitan area.
- WKEF-TV (Dayton, OH): An ABC affiliate that serves the Dayton metropolitan area.
- WRGT-TV (Dayton, OH): A Fox affiliate that serves the Dayton metropolitan area.
South
- WBRC-TV (Birmingham, AL): A Fox affiliate that serves the Birmingham metropolitan area.
- WGXA-TV (Macon, GA): A Fox affiliate that serves the Macon, Georgia metropolitan area.
- WACH-TV (Columbia, SC): A Fox affiliate that serves the Columbia, South Carolina metropolitan area.
West Coast
- KATU-TV (Portland, OR): An ABC affiliate that serves the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area.
- KUNP-TV (Portland, OR): A Univision affiliate that serves the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area.
- KBOI-TV (Boise, ID): A CBS affiliate that serves the Boise metropolitan area.
Notable Acquisitions and Partnerships
Over the years, Sinclair Broadcast Group has made several notable acquisitions and partnerships that have helped expand its reach and influence in the local television market. Some of these include:
- Acquisition of Fisher Communications: In 2013, Sinclair acquired Fisher Communications, a Seattle-based broadcasting company that owned several television stations in the Pacific Northwest.
- Acquisition of Allbritton Communications: In 2014, Sinclair acquired Allbritton Communications, a broadcasting company that owned several television stations in the Washington, D.C. area.
- Partnership with Tribune Media: In 2017, Sinclair announced a partnership with Tribune Media, a Chicago-based broadcasting company that owned several television stations across the United States.
Impact on Local Journalism
Sinclair’s expansion into the local television market has raised concerns about the impact on local journalism. Some critics argue that Sinclair’s centralized approach to news production can lead to a homogenization of local news coverage, with stations relying on pre-packaged content from the company’s headquarters rather than producing their own local news.
However, others argue that Sinclair’s resources and expertise can help improve the quality and reach of local news coverage, particularly in smaller markets where resources may be limited.
Conclusion
Sinclair Broadcast Group is a major player in the local television market, with a diverse portfolio of stations across the United States. While the company’s expansion has raised concerns about the impact on local journalism, it is clear that Sinclair is committed to providing high-quality local news coverage to its viewers. As the media landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Sinclair adapts and grows in the years to come.
| Market | Station | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore, MD | WBFF-TV | Fox |
| Baltimore, MD | WNUV-TV | CW |
| Portland, ME | WGME-TV | CBS |
| Portland, ME | WPFO-TV | Fox |
Note: This is not an exhaustive list of all Sinclair-owned stations, but rather a selection of notable stations in various markets.
What is Sinclair Broadcast Group?
Sinclair Broadcast Group is a diversified media company and a leading provider of local sports and news in the United States. The company was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Hunt Valley, Maryland. Sinclair owns and operates a large number of television stations across the country, providing a wide range of programming to local audiences.
Sinclair’s television stations broadcast a variety of content, including local news, sports, and entertainment programming. The company also owns and operates several regional sports networks, which provide coverage of local sports teams and events. In addition to its television operations, Sinclair also provides digital media services, including websites and mobile apps, to its local audiences.
How many local TV stations does Sinclair Broadcast Group own?
Sinclair Broadcast Group owns and operates a total of 185 television stations across the United States. These stations are located in 86 markets and reach approximately 38% of U.S. television households. Sinclair’s stations broadcast a variety of programming, including local news, sports, and entertainment content.
Sinclair’s large portfolio of television stations makes it one of the largest television broadcasting companies in the United States. The company’s stations are affiliated with major networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX, and also broadcast a range of digital subchannels. Sinclair’s extensive reach and diverse portfolio of stations make it a significant player in the U.S. television industry.
What types of programming does Sinclair Broadcast Group offer?
Sinclair Broadcast Group offers a wide range of programming on its television stations, including local news, sports, and entertainment content. The company’s stations broadcast local news programs, which provide coverage of news and events in the local community. Sinclair’s stations also broadcast sports programming, including coverage of local sports teams and events.
In addition to local news and sports, Sinclair’s stations also broadcast a range of entertainment programming, including syndicated shows and network programming. The company’s stations are affiliated with major networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX, and broadcast a range of network programming, including dramas, comedies, and reality shows. Sinclair’s stations also offer a range of digital subchannels, which provide additional programming options for viewers.
Does Sinclair Broadcast Group have any regional sports networks?
Yes, Sinclair Broadcast Group owns and operates several regional sports networks (RSNs) across the United States. These RSNs provide coverage of local sports teams and events, and are available to viewers in specific regions. Sinclair’s RSNs broadcast a range of sports programming, including live games, sports news, and analysis.
Sinclair’s RSNs are affiliated with several major sports leagues, including the National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), and the National Basketball Association (NBA). The company’s RSNs also broadcast coverage of college sports and other local sports events. Sinclair’s RSNs are available to viewers through a range of distribution channels, including cable and satellite television, and digital streaming services.
How does Sinclair Broadcast Group support local communities?
Sinclair Broadcast Group is committed to supporting local communities through its television stations and other operations. The company’s stations provide coverage of local news and events, and also offer a range of community-focused programming and initiatives. Sinclair’s stations also partner with local organizations and charities to support community-based projects and events.
Sinclair’s commitment to local communities is reflected in its corporate social responsibility initiatives. The company has a number of programs in place to support local communities, including its “Sinclair Cares” initiative, which provides support for local charities and community organizations. Sinclair’s stations also participate in a range of community-focused events and activities, including fundraising campaigns and volunteer programs.
Is Sinclair Broadcast Group a publicly traded company?
Yes, Sinclair Broadcast Group is a publicly traded company. The company’s shares are listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbol SBGI. As a publicly traded company, Sinclair is subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and is required to disclose certain financial and operational information to the public.
Sinclair’s status as a publicly traded company provides transparency and accountability to its shareholders and the wider public. The company’s financial reports and other disclosures provide insight into its operations and performance, and help to inform investment decisions. Sinclair’s public listing also provides the company with access to capital markets, which can be used to fund its operations and support its growth strategy.
How can I find a Sinclair Broadcast Group station in my area?
You can find a Sinclair Broadcast Group station in your area by visiting the company’s website and using its station finder tool. The tool allows you to enter your zip code or city and state, and provides a list of Sinclair stations in your area. You can also search for Sinclair stations by market or by station call sign.
Once you have found a Sinclair station in your area, you can visit the station’s website to learn more about its programming and services. Many of Sinclair’s stations also offer mobile apps and other digital services, which provide access to their programming and content on-the-go. You can also contact Sinclair’s stations directly to learn more about their programming and services, or to provide feedback and suggestions.